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Archived: Wow! All That Jazz … Fay Ann, Bunji Steal The Headlines Again!

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Fay-Ann Lyons says the organisers of the Tobago Jazz Experience 2014 treated her team disrespectfully.

Fay-Ann Lyons says the organisers of the Tobago Jazz Experience 2014 treated her team disrespectfully.

While news of John Legend being the headline act at the annual Tobago Jazz experience this year should have been the talk of the town across the Caribbean this past weekend, soca power couple, Fay-Ann Lyons and Bunji Garlin undoubtedly stole the spotlight. The chatter about the Bunji and Fay-Ann ‘walk out’ has been incessant with everybody who is somebody having an opinion.

In case you missed it though, we’ll summarise so here goes… Bunji, Fay-Ann and Asylum were booked to perform on Friday night, closing for Legend and fellow international songbird, Brandy. Unfortunately though, due to one thing or the other, accommodation at the Grafton Beach Hotel was not forthcoming for all 17 persons on the Asylum team. According to event organisers, the original booking was made for 10 persons. According to Fay-Ann’s comments via social media, airline bookings were made for 17 Asylum members. Communications personnel for the THA who hosted the event said the issue stemmed from a level of miscommunication and an apology was issued however, Fay-Ann, Bunji and Asylum chose to remove themselves from the lineup and fly back to Trinidad. They indicated that they were carded to fly to St. Maarten subsequent to that Tobago performance.

The debate then began. For an entire weekend, talk of this issue blared through the speakers as popular radio stations attempted to address the matter, calling on listeners to put in their two cents. The drama was undoubtedly being fuelled as many took to social media to either bash or support the Asylum Vikings team. Today, a media release issued by the Asylum Vikings, followed one that was submitted by the organisers of the Tobago Jazz Experience. We’ve taken the liberty of delivering both to you. Feel free to share your comments via our comments section below. Despite it all, Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons and the Asylum Vikings controlled the headlines this weekend, without a doubt!


MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE ASYLUM VIKINGS 

27/04/2014- Bunji Garlin, Fay Ann Lyons and the Asylum Band take this opportunity to provide for fans locally and around the world a clear explanation of what transpired over the last forty eight to seventy two hours, which forced us to withdraw from the Tobago Jazz Experience. We have communicated with the media before, however we now detect an attempt to put a spin on the story that amazingly attempts to put our band in a bad light. The information provided herein should end all speculation and put all such thoughts to rest.The relationships between an event promoters and performers are governed by contracts and riders. Those relationships however are managed by good communications. From the inception of this relationship, communication from the Tobago Jazz Experience has been uniformly poor.The event manager has indicated that there may have been a communication problem, and he is half right, they did not communicate.

No performance contract ever requires the performer(s) to make their own travel or accommodation arrangements, at least none that we have ever been involved with.

One of our sound engineers, Mr Brewster, arrived in Trinidad to go to Tobago to help with preparing our sound on Thursday, as the Tobago Jazz Experience directed. We were therefore surprised to be informed that no accommodation was booked for him and the official who was assigned to room all guests was asking our management “why is he here today?” He was told that they did not know that he was coming. This was at least strange, given the fact that they booked his flight.

At this stage, we attempted to contact the organizers with no success.

Fay finally got Mr John Arnold who then said unfortunately the hotel we originally requested was not available and after a little discussion they said the whole band would be roomed at the Grafton hotel. Nonetheless, on Friday we journeyed to Tobago, we encountered no problems with the flight, although we had to end up arranging different ground transportation since the one that was sent for us had to leave as he has a government contract to pick up school kids. When we got to the hotel, we discovered that only five rooms were booked. At this point our four hour ordeal started.

Our management and the hotel attempted to contact the organizers. Being familiar with the myriad task associated with hosting an event of this magnitude, we expect such hiccups and a trouble-shooter type response, instead we were met with hostility. We had much difficulty contacting anyone as had the Grafton Hotel staff. One of the desk clerks said they have been calling the event’s rooming officials for hours to clear issues for other guests under their purview other than ours. The following is a sample of the responses that we did receive. “so I must call the hotel and say what”; “so what I supposed to do for that” and “all yuh hutting up mi head and raising my blood pressure”. We wish to restate that we were in the lobby of the hotel for going on four hours before we decided to leave.

It should also be noted, that with Grafton Beach being an all-inclusive Resort hotel, we were unable to check all in since the rooms were THA reserved and the rest of the band had to be THA approved in order to even enter the room.

We have also noted that there is an attempt to suggest that we somehow inflated the numbers in our bad with “joy riders”. The band which publicly performed for all of Carnival 2014 is the same one that travelled to Tobago, using tickets that were purchased and booked by the Tobago Jazz Experience. For further clarity, the following is a list of the individuals who travelled, and their roles.

1 machine/ percussionist
1 drummer
1 bassist
1 guitarist
1 keyboardist
3 horn players
1 back up singer
2 engineers ( 1 on stage one on front house)
2 roadies (equipment handlers)
1 manager
2 front line singers (Bunji & Faye Ann)
1 media liaison (cameras)

The Asylum Family is firmly committed “to run and take the microphone and just sing and make people proud” We however have little control over the vagaries of promoters. While they admitted that they did indeed mess up on the issue of party/ rooming arrangements, we hope to see the false statement given to media by one of their officials that “the row was because they expected 10 people but we showed up with 17 and that we wanted to stay where another artiste was staying” be rescinded and corrected. We honestly and sincerely apologize to our true fans but an issue like this must never ever happen to anyone whether local or foreign.


MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE TOBAGO JAZZ ORGANISERS 

The organiser of this year’s Tobago Jazz Experience (TJE) 2014 apologises to patrons and soca star Bunji Garlin and his band, the Asylum Vikings, after the band withdrew from World Music Night just hours before the show on Friday 25 April.
The Division of Tourism and Transportation (DOTT), which has been organising and hosting the popular jazz event, regretted that the band was not part of the TJE as it pulled out of the event, hours before show time.

The packed audience of 10,000 people was entertained by nine-time Grammy award-winner John Legend, who delivered a flawless performance of his international hits. Local crossover band Dil-e-Nadan, American singer and actress Brandy, and Iwer George also performed at the Pigeon Point Heritage Park event.
Bunji Garlin and the Asylum Vikings had requested to stay at the Magdalena Grand, but they had no space available. The Grafton Beach Resort was agreed upon by the band and event organisers. Unfortunately, due to miscommunication, insufficient rooms were booked at the Grafton. The event organisers rectified the situation, meeting the demands of the band, but the band decided to leave the island before the concert. The initial arrangement was for the band to depart for Trinidad immediately after the performance.
 

Music News

Grammy Award Winning, Morgan Heritage Salutes Jamaica with First Release Since Losing Peetah Morgan.

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Grammy Award-winning reggae band Morgan Heritage returns with “Come Feel The Love,” an uplifting new single written and produced by nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist, producer, and songwriter Stephen Marley.

Released on July 10th through Ghetto Youths International, the song serves as a vibrant musical invitation to experience Jamaica through its people, culture, landscapes, and unmistakable spirit. According to a media release the song celebrates the essence of Jamaica through authentic storytelling, using the universal language of reggae to capture the island’s warmth, resilience, beauty, and enduring sense of community.

Led by the unmistakable voices of Gramps Morgan and Mojo Morgan, the single paints vivid images of Jamaica’s natural beauty, from the iconic lignum vitae and soursop trees to Negril’s coastline, Lovers’ Leap, and the communities where generations have shaped one of the world’s most influential musical cultures.

Complementing the song is a visually stunning official music video produced by Filmaica and directed by Fernando Hevia. Filmed entirely on location throughout Jamaica, the visual showcases many of the island’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural landmarks. Gramps Morgan’s performance scenes were captured in Negril and at the iconic Lovers’ Leap in St. Elizabeth, both destinations referenced in the lyrics, bringing an added level of authenticity and emotional connection, while celebrating the beauty and diversity of Jamaica.

Built around the infectious refrain, “Come Feel The Love,” the record embodies Jamaica as more than a destination – it is a feeling rooted in family, music, community, and connection.

Celebrating Home.

“Come Feel The Love” marks Morgan Heritage’s first newly recorded release since the ascension of one of its founding members, Peetah Morgan, opening a new chapter for one of reggae’s most celebrated groups while honoring the legacy he helped build. The single reflects the band’s enduring commitment to carrying its message of unity, love, and cultural pride to audiences around the world.

Jamaica has given us so much, our identity, our music, our culture, and our purpose,” said Gramps Morgan. “This song celebrates everything we love about home and invites the world to experience the same warmth and inspiration that continues to shape who we are.”

Mojo Morgan added, “Reggae has always connected people across cultures and generations. ‘Come Feel The Love’ reminds us that Jamaica’s greatest gift isn’t just its beauty, it’s the love, unity, and positive spirit that people feel the moment they arrive.”

The record seamlessly blends Morgan Heritage’s signature harmonies with Stephen Marley’s timeless production, creating a contemporary roots,reggae anthem that honors Jamaica’s traditions while introducing its story to a new generation of listeners.

As one of reggae’s most celebrated families, Morgan Heritage has spent decades carrying Jamaican music to audiences around the world, earning a Grammy Award and building a legacy of socially conscious, spiritually uplifting recordings. Their collaboration with Stephen Marley, one of reggae’s most accomplished artists and producers, brings together two of Jamaica’s most influential musical legacies in a powerful celebration of the island, its people, and its culture.

More than the release of a new single, “Come Feel The Love” represents the beginning of Morgan Heritage’s next chapter, one rooted in the same values that have defined the band for generations while embracing a renewed purpose. As they honor Peetah Morgan’s enduring legacy, the group continues its mission of celebrating Jamaica through music and spreading love, unity, hope, and positivity to audiences around the world.

“Come Feel the Love” is available now on all major digital streaming platforms.

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Caribbean Buzz

Kes The Band’s ‘Roots, Rock, Soca’ Tour Concludes with Sold-Out International Success.

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Kes the Band has officially concluded its highly acclaimed Roots, Rock, Soca Tour, marking another groundbreaking moment in the band’s remarkable journey. The international tour captivated audiences across the United Kingdom, Europe and North America – making history as the first Soca act to sell-out stadium shows in the United States and to sell out the RBC Amphitheater in Toronto, Canada with 16,000 fans.

The tour featured sold-out shows in major music cities such as London, Vancouver, Los Angeles, New York, and its final stop in Toronto – with thousands of fans gathering night after night to experience the signature sound, musicianship, and infectious energy that have made KestheBand one of the Caribbean’s most influential live acts.

The ‘Roots, Rock, Soca’ Tour became a celebration of culture, connection, and community. Each performance in the concert series showcased the band’s ability to transcend borders and generations, bringing together audiences from diverse backgrounds through music rooted in Caribbean identity. With energetic performances spanning storied venues such as Forest Hills Stadium in New York and The Bellwether in California, Kes the Band continues to cement its place in history as an enduring, generational force that bridges rhythms, unites audiences, and elevates the heartbeat of Caribbean culture in communities across global borders.

KestheBand’s Frontman, Kees Dieffenthaller, serenades the sold-out audience at the RBC Amphitheater in Toronto, Canada to conclude the ‘Roots, Rock, Soca’ Tour. Photo; Jono Hirst

Led by charismatic frontman Kees Dieffenthaller, the band’s world-class lineup includes Dean Jameson drums, Jon Dieffenthaller on guitar, Riad Boochoon on bass, Mario Callender and Geiron Mangon keyboards, and Robert ‘Robbie Styles’ Persaud on DJ and Ableton. Together, they delivered dynamic performances that combined exceptional musicianship with the unmistakable spirit that has become synonymous with KestheBand.

Adding to the excitement throughout the tour were a number of memorable surprise guest appearances from some of soca’s most celebrated artists, including Coutain, Lady Lava, Barbados Soca legend Edwin Yearwood, Iwer George, London’s Haile of WSTRN, Haitian singer J Perry, and Ravi B. Their appearances created unforgettable moments for fans while highlighting the camaraderie and creative excellence that continue to define Caribbean music.

The overwhelming response to the tour underscores Kes the Band’s continued evolution from a beloved Caribbean band to a truly global cultural ambassador. Across every city, audiences embraced the music, creating an atmosphere that reflected the growing international appreciation for soca and Caribbean artistry.

Soca is joy: these fans could barely contain their excitement at the closing show of KestheBand’s ‘Roots, Rock, Soca’ Tour stop in Toronto, Canada.
Photo: Jono Hirst.

As the curtain closes on the Roots, Rock, Soca Tour, Kes the Band is already focused on the next chapter. The band will soon return to the studio to begin work on new music for an upcoming album, continuing its tradition of pushing creative boundaries while staying true to the sound that has resonated with fans around the world.

The momentum also continues for Kes the Band on stage over Labor Day Weekend as the iconic group takes the stage at the DC Jazz Festival (DCJF), one of the United States’ premier music festivals, taking place September 2–6, 2026. Following the band’s debut on NPR Tiny Desk in the capital of the United States earlier this year, the band continues to expand its reach and introduce Caribbean music to new audiences on some of the world’s most respected stages.

With decades of groundbreaking music, unforgettable live performances, and an unwavering commitment to cultural excellence, Kes the Band continues to redefine what’s possible for Caribbean artists on the global stage. The success of the Roots, Rock, Soca Tour is both a celebration of an extraordinary series of performances and a defining chapter in the band’s enduring legacy, setting the stage for an exciting new era of music and global performances.

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